Follow Hawaii Five-0

Hawaii Five-0 Review: Mommie Dearest and The Headless Horseman

"Popilikia (Misfortune)" was a Hawaii Five-0 Halloween extravaganza in disguise. We had representation from old movies starring Faye Dunaway, a nod to Ichabod Crane, a wacky fortune teller and McGarrett playing the football player without costume performing not one, but two epic tackles.

Did Bai Ling play the worst fortune killer of all time or what? Everyone knows the Death card doesn't represent physical death and even if it did (hello!), nobody would go to one who whispered the equivalent of "seven days...." in your ear! I'll give her some credit, at least she was talking about the wrong customer, and the girlfriend read into it what she wanted anyway. She was touched by Billy's death.

The poor polo player did have a serious misfortune, though, didn't he? Danny calling him the Headless Horseman was perfect for the month of October and production was damned happy with their CGI because we got to see that head sliced off again and again and again. How very Final Destination of them!

Once we discovered who was actually intended to be murdered, I immediately suspected Jake's dad. It seemed like a long time to wait for a second go at your own kid, but if Jere Burns isn't playing a bad guy, he's extremely funny. He didn't seem so funny to me. Then his wife exploded, and I hesitated. She was kind of hot. Perhaps she was a mistake?

Nope. I was standing by my man. With the reveal of his wife and Billy having an illicit affair, I knew I was going to come home with the trophy. The timing of his son's kidnapper's release from prison was ideal. Seriously, could I possibly be a worse detective?

I wondered why Jake didn't just kill his father instead of taking out his friend and step mother. Sure, she was the trigger to the reason he lost his finger and was traumatized for life, but his dad made the decision. I was wrong that Burns was playing the criminal, but he played a weak man and a poor father.

He should have given the money for his son's release as soon as it was demanded. Somehow, after everything he went through, it seemed the only thing Jake wanted all those years later was the love of his father. Some people should never be parents.

Christine Lahti as Steve's mom was such an inspired choice. They play off each other so perfectly and she's the one person he can't get the better of. I should have known she was moving in for something other than old home week, but I want her to be McGarrett's mommy. With exchanges like this, who wouldn't?

Steve: What is this? What are these bags? You're staying? Doris: Yeah, is that okay with you? Steve: Mom! | permalink

Doris wasn't so convincing when it came to Wo Fat. I wonder how long it will take Steve to crack the second most important case of his life, after the murder of his father. Steve didn't believe her sham story about the safe house and wildly shot bullets. She was too good to let that happen and everyone knew it.

What was on the film in the little safe? Did it go back to Steve's childhood? How was it that nobody noticed the strange sound in the floor? Most importantly, why was there only a single roll of film inside a special case inside a safe, seemingly exactly in the middle, still standing? Silly television shows. As she lifted it out of the floor, it was almost as if it was important to keep it upright. Then we found out it was film.

You know what? I don't care. Hawaii Five-0 remains one of the most entertaining CBS procedurals running and watching it every week is a joy. The wit, the banter, the twists and turns never get old. Share your theories in the comments and be back here in two weeks when Jim Garner reviews the real Halloween episode!

Around the Web

Follow Hawaii Five-0

The casting director needs some kind of award for getting Christine Lahti to play Steve's mother. Not only is she perfect physically, but the actress herself conveys such intelligence that it's entirely plausible she could outwit and evade one Navy Seal son and another alleged son with equally wicked skills. It's also cool (and a little sad) that both have apparently inherited her skills.

AnnieB•October 21, 2012 03:44

This show makes me happy so, your review made me happy! Sometimes I wonder if Jim and I are watching the same show! I've had a thought: obviously WoFat and Doris were suprised to see each other, couldn't hurt each other, so, now they are back on the same page. Doris is no longer worried about WoFat ~ it's business as usual for them both with the CIA. She is basicly a liar with no real maternal feelings ~ lets see how long it takes Steve to figure this out.

Kathy•October 20, 2012 14:24

I think this show was good. Putting twists and turns is what a story should be, and there is always someone who says, "I saw it coming" no matter what they do. I know I'm not the first to day this, but we are not suppose to like Doris, she has too many secrets and look what she did to her family. Christine Lahti plays her exactly the way she should be. As for Catherine, they are developing her, but no matter what they do, some people will say they aren't doing anything with her, and other people will say she is taking over the show. And its the same thing on every TV fanatic site for every show. It entertainment, not perfect, its TV.

Jesse Cardoza•October 19, 2012 18:40

Not a bad ep. It kept me second guessing on who the murderer was and I was suprised to find out it was the son who was behind it.Mama McGarrett's got secret plans, which would make an intresting story in the year to come.And to any writer who reads this , PLEASE DO SOMETHING WITH CATHERINE ALREADY, I don't want her to be just 'the girl who makes sweet love to Steve every night' or 'the navy girl who helps Steve with a case when he needs it'. Do something with her and make her interesting.

Sharon•October 19, 2012 16:21

I really like this show. Danno gets on my last nerve with his constant talking, wish someone would tell him to give us a break.

Captain Jack•October 19, 2012 05:02

I am going to agree with Connie. It seems like they are solving the mysteries too fast, and then having "Miller Time". Great 9-5 gig if you can get it. Again,I think the Catherine character adds almost nothing, and I do think adding Mom will be a decent sub plot. Here's hoping for better writing. If all they rely on is Steve with his shirt off to hook women, and keep running it in the "sacrificial lamb" time slot, we will be saying "Aloha" after this season.

I'm a little late to the forum but here's my 2 cents anyway! IMO it was an ok epi - I found it a bit confusing, mutilation, kidnapping, decapitation, horse doping, a very phony medium, affairs!!! My head was spinning to realize it was old-fashioned revenge. Watching the different match ups each week is fine. Each character adds to and shows off the others strengths and weaknesses. I love the addition of Catherine, just the right amount of love for Steve and friendship for the team. Who I don't like is Doris. She's annoying and condescending. I dont think she ever loved her kids and dont understand the pretend show of affection. When she found the hidden microfilm I was so hoping for WoFat to be there, kidnap her and end this awful, drawn out life-sucking Shelburne mystery. Btw, I don't thinks she's WoFats mother, but maybe was his babysitter which could be the reason neither shot the other. So far s3 is really off the charts. The old sit on the edge of your seat greatness has returned. Alex is back in form and is a joy to watch! Hawaii 5-0 is back. I can't wait for the next episode!

Connie•October 17, 2012 19:13

I have to say I still love the show and look forward to watching. My only complaint is that it always seems rushed and every case gets solved in the period of one day. At least in this season, they never seem to take a few days to find out who the killer is. They are in the same clothes from the start to the end of the episode (unless they go out after then sometimes the clothing is different). I wish the crime-solving part was spread out a bit longer than a 12-hour period. Other than that, anxiously awaiting the Halloween episode and the Danny New Jersey episode.

Lynnette•October 17, 2012 18:28

Kelly! Re: Show needs to keep changing up the pairings of the main characters! I love McDanno, but I have really enjoyed the last couple times the show has placed Danny with Kono or with Chin. I mean, who didn't like Danny consoling Chin on the beach at the end of 3.02? Danny and Kono have developed a great brother/sister or mentor/rookie camaraderie that WORKS! I'd love to see more of that. Plus, Danny and Max time -- anyone see the deleted scene for Ep. 2.20 on the S2 DVD in which Max is sitting on the church steps holding his baby blanket, and Danny sits with and consoles him about the loss of his birth mother? If you get to watch it, you will understand how it is that Danny and Max are much more free to banter back and forth - they've bonded as friends. (Deleted scenes really explain a lot of what we don't understand happening.) Hate that they have to leave those types of scenes out!)

Anyone actually seen Revolution? Not very realistic with bad acting. Been watching its comments on TVFanatic and many people are not happy with it. I'm thinking it's going to start dropping in ratings. But Tuesday nite after NCIS's would be great!